For one, Costa Rica is a small country and most people never move away from the area they were born in. Barrio La California, They know how to listen, laugh, and appreciate what they have. Enjoying good health conditions shouldn't depend on economic or technological factors, but rather on protective factors that are evident and proven in the region. This trend has been here for many years, but I was the one to notice this special feature in the data," said Bixby, a pioneer in longevity research. Youll stay in one of 21 suites, bungalows, and villas; lounge in poolside hammocks; walk on the beach; swim; and enjoy seafood purchased from local fishers and bread by the local baker in the open-air Manzu Restaurant thats right on Playa Santa Teresa. Famous for its gorgeous Pacific Coast beaches and well known for its surfing, wellness, yoga, and vibrant sunsets, the Nicoya peninsula is a paradise for the mind, body, and soul. Nicoyan water has the countrys highest calcium content, perhaps explaining the lower rates of heart disease, as well as stronger bones and fewer hip fractures. That's why this part of Costa Rica is designated a Blue Zone, the term used for just five areas of the world where people live extraordinarily long and vibrant lives. This is why the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT, Instituto Costarricense de Turismo) launched the Wellness Pura Vida country strategy, which seeks to position Costa Rica as a wellness destination with a difference, which offers unique, transforming experiences. None of these staples are processed, and because all of these foods are locally grown they are not faced with genetically modified or pesticide laden produce. I had visited the famous Costa Rica "must-see" spots - Arenal, Manuel Antonio, the cloud forest, the Osa Peninsula - some of them a few times. Arising from this need, one of the results of the meeting was the establishment of an International Network on Healthy Aging, which will be led from Costa Rica in order to "build knowledge collaboratively", said Montero. Nicoya, Costa Rica is one of those unique locations where lifestyle, diet, and low stress have dramatically bettered the lives of Ticos and expats alike. Drain and pat the onions dry with paper towel. For many the hope is that the lessons that these centenarians can teach us and the secrets of well-being and longevity that live in this extraordinary part of the world, will be able benefit all of humanity in the future. Residents of this 80-mile peninsula found south of the Nicaraguan border have the world's lowest middle-age mortality rates, and the second highest number of male centenarians in the world. Not long after, he began to lead trips to the first Blue Zones that he had discovered. howler and white face monkeys, red variegated squirrels, sloths, anteaters, raccoon-like coatis, butterflies, plus some 900 bird species including the fiery-billed aracari toucan and the rufous-tailed hummingbird. Black beans contain high doses of antioxidants and they are eaten for almost every meal among Nicoyans (and most Costa Ricans). The Today Show's Cynthia McFadden accompanied Blue Zones founder Dan Buettner to Costa Rica and Singapore to learn why they these two different places have such happy residents. Dubbed "blue zones," residents of these areas share a common environment and lifestyle that . Your email address will not be published. In the future, when we do emerge from the current pandemic, many cities and companies will revisit well-being as a main topic for their citizens and employees. When that day comes, Nicoyas Blue Zone will continue to be an example of the resiliency of the human body and spirit. Old people often have too little calcium in their bodies. Conzcanos. If youre eating a standard American diet, its probably shaving about six to 10 years off of your life expectancy, Buettner says. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Nicoya, Costa Rica. Brand Storytelling At Sundance: Championing Excellence And Filmmakers With Purpose, Profitable ECommerce Growth For CPGs Is In Reach. O segreto da Zona Azul de Nicoya. There are 5 Blue Zones around the world, one of which is located on the Nicoya Peninsula; the others on the list are Sardinia in Italy, Okinawa in Japan, Loma Linda in the United States, and Icaria, in Greece. Water sports are on offer pretty much everywhere along Nicoyas coast, whether you prefer surfing, kayaking, standup paddleboarding, snorkeling, scuba diving, or just checking out whats happening in the tide pools. They also practice good physical and mental health. What are Blue Zones? Its also easy to eat healthy in Costa Rica, with its abundance of local foods grown in its fertile volcanic soil. Montezuma is located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula making it an ideal place to stay when exploring this unique part of Costa Rica. You can design your own holistic retreat too, choosing from a Kirtan sound bath, detox program, cacao ceremony, blue clay treatment, drum circles, and more. This healthy breakfast gives them the nutrients they need for a day of tending crops and livestock. Nicoyan centenarians frequently visit with neighbors, and they tend to live with families and children or grandchildren who provide support, as well as a sense of purpose. Blue Zones, those special places on earth where people live longer and healthier lives, first came to prominence in the ground-breaking book by Dan Buettner, Blue Zones. Nicoya. What we can incorporate about Nicoya into our culture is the sense of purpose Nicoyans enjoy. Face-to-Face Conversations. They first noticed that people in several villages on the Italian island of Sardinia were living well into their 90s and 100s and that they had few significant mental or physical health problems. People often consider the impact of global decisions on future generations through legislation. Moais are a powerful social tradition that create feelings of belonging, purpose and security. Hi! For those that don't know, there are a few communities around the globe where people live long and healthy lives, up to and past 100, dubbed "blue zones." Tamarindo is also a great place for solo travelers. The chance to do yoga in an open-air pavilion on the beach is not to be missed! Thanks to the peninsula's reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. We have a full guide to the ferry here. It is fascinating to see which factors play into long lifespan including how you can emulate this lifestyle. It remains to be seen if the COVID pandemic will affect that average. Centenarians seem to have enjoyed physical work of all their lives. It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision! They embrace the relaxed Pura Vida lifestyle and family always comes first. A Blue Zone is the name given to one of the areas in the world where a majority of people have a life expectancy of at least 100 years old. Over the last several months, the world has mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives. This is an excerpt fromBlue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longestby Dan Buettner, copyright 2008, all rights reserved. By comparison, a person in the United States can reasonably expect to live to just 77, according to federal census data. Nicoya is famous for being a marvelous playground for surfers all over the world. The Peninsula is covered by spectacular beaches that host nature's best. Each region has its own diet, types of exercise, and community structure, but each has specific elements in common - all starting with a sense of purpose. And here are two great reports done that will give you a better understanding of the Nicoya people, area, and mindset. One thing I found especially interesting is the idea that this long life span is dying out. This Central American nation isnt that far from the U.S. geographically, but it is way ahead of us in longevity. In parallel, and with the purpose of generating public policies, a Framework Cooperation Agreement in order to establish, promote and support the Blue Zone in the Nicoya Peninsula. A three-course farm-to-table dinner with a tour of the organic garden is available Mondays and Thursdays. Located on the Guanacaste Peninsula in northwestern Costa Rica, Nicoya is a rural, beachside, blue-zone community. These commitments also included mechanisms to develop best practices in health promotion in the "five blue cantons" of the Peninsula, strengthening support networks, and incentivizing the recuperation of life lessons and traditions. Long-living creatures like sea turtles are frequent visitors to the Blue Zone too. They wake up. Nicoyans regularly take in the sunshine, which helps their bodies produce vitamin D for strong bones and healthy body function. This is a BETA experience. Plantains are high in potassium, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. The waters around the Nicoya Peninsula are also home to several species of fish including tuna and red snapper. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. These cookies do not store any personal information. By Ty and Charlene Bollinger. These cantons are: Carillo, Hojancha, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, and Nandoyure. Due to the Nicoya Peninsula's location in Central America, the area has an abundance of warm days with tons of sunlight. The sustainable and equitable promotion of the long-living population of seniors and the establishment of a cultural agenda aimed at strengthening sustainable, rural, community tourism stood out among the commitments made. There are several theories about why the Blue Zone of Costa Rica exists, but the most likely explanation is that it is due to a combination of factors. That sense of purpose drives them in all aspects of their lives. We must make the health of future generations our responsibility by implementing the lifestyles of the Blue Zones people now. It is also one of the world's Blue Zones. Moderate alcohol intake, especially wine. The Power of Nine is the name Buetnner has given to the characteristics that all Blue Zones seem to share. Book a transfer from your hotel, opt for a shuttle or public bus, or take a domestic flight to one of the peninsulas larger towns. The traditional diet in the area is also notable. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. In Nicoya, Costa Rica, where average incomes are among the nation's lowest, the average lifespan is 85 among the world's highest. We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and now live in sunny Costa Rica. The most popular towns to visit here are Montezuma and Santa Teresa. Though Chicago is not one of those cities that uses the template outlined in the Blue Zones Project, the city could adapt to the Blue Zones principals. While we may not increase the average life expectancy throughout the world we can use Nicoya as a template for healthier living. On the peninsulas southeast coast is Tambor, with Nicoyas most southerly airport. And a breakfast rich with antioxidants helps to protect a persons cells from disease. He worked with several notable anthropolgists, dieticians, historians, and geneticists to identify and further understand what contributes to a long lifespan. Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula joins Sardinia, Italy, Okinawa, Japan, Lima Linda, California, and Icaria, Greece as one of the world's five blue zones. Tamarindo is the most popular destination for international visitors with its golden beaches, many with consistent and gentle surfing waves, and nearby national parks and wildlife refuges. We can start making healthier choices today, thus living more enriching lives and encouraging others to adopt similar healthy ways of living. Nicoya, Costa Rica: A Puzzling Blue Zone Diet Light on Vegetables and High in Carbohydrate and Sugar. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The Tortuga Islands are offshore and are a frequent destination for snorkeling trips, even from other parts of the peninsula. However, Costa Rica's blue zone is so much more. They typically do not consume a lot of meat. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! Costa Rica Experts Wins 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award, Where to Find Black Sand Beaches in Costa Rica, Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month, 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 8 Costa Rica Natural Mysteries You Have to See to Believe, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica, 10 Top Costa Rica Honeymoon Bungalows & Suites, 3 Costa Rica Hotels Made The Travel & Leisure Top 100 in the World List, Costa Rica Expert Interview with Aaron Daker: top destinations, new hotels, & best months to travel. The heart is a muscle, and all muscle contractions depend on calcium. 1 - The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. We are always happy to help you out! Toss gently. In other words, Nicoyans receive a healthy dose of vitamins in their daily diet. However, altering your diet, increasing the amount of exercise you get in a given day, and embracing relationships with family and friends are good places to start. Contents1 Is Costa Rica considered [] All of our step by step Costa Rica planning tips in one spot. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. They find joy in everyday physical chores. Down on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica's Blue Zone, visitors can book into a yoga retreat, eat freshly caught fish, go surfing and ride horses along the beach. La Senda has a 2.5-acre labyrinth with a two-mile-long path (said to be the biggest in the world) as well as horseback riding. You can drive to Tamarindo in about 80 minutes from the Liberia airport (its about four hours from Costa Ricas other main airport in the capital, San Jos). The best way we can mourn those lives lost is to honor them by creating a better future for our children, their children, and their childrens children by making healthier choices now. The way Nicoyans choose to live their lives gives us a template from which we can learn to improve our health and find our sense of purpose. Dinner is typically a light meal, consumed early in the evening which allows plenty of time for digestion before bed. So, having extra-hard water may help keep Nicoyans' hearts strong, and longer. LIKED THIS? If you want to get underground, Barra Honda National Park has a system of 42 caves and you can explore Terciopelo Cave on a tour. WED LOVE IF YOUD ADD IT ON PINTEREST! Nicoya was introduced as a Blue Zone in a 2004 National Geographic article by Dan Buettner. When Dan Buettner introduced the concept of Blue Zones, he formed the Blue Zones Project. - save 10% Plus other perks . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 2008-2023 Law Dissertation Writing Services. Lane reasons why Chicago should use the Blue Zones template to improve the lives of people who live there. O que so Zonas Azuis? Rhuigi Villaseor Kept His Foot On The Gas. Meaning, family ties are strong. I'm a Chief Metaverse Officer and a web3 luxury and fashion innovator. I feel lucky to have found this information, though the credit doesn't belong to me, but rather to the older residents. The climate in the Blue Zone is very mild, which may help to protect against diseases. These places are full of one-hundred-year-olds who have reached such like live wires, not in bed or in hospital. The volcanic beach has calm swimming in Bahia Ballena (despite the name, whales are no longer frequent visitors), and theres birdwatching and hiking along the Rio Panica. Even the cancer rates on the Nicoya Peninsula are lower than those elsewhere in the world! By TCRN STAFF October 5, 2022 528 0 The gateway to the Nicoya Peninsula is the beach town of Tamarindo on the west coast, which is very popular with international travelers. The Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica is one of the five areas in the world that hold the distinguished classification of a Blue Zone. A "Blue Zone" is an area of the world where it is typical for people to live past 100 years old. A research team is currently researching the . Certain common characteristics were also established in order to determine whether additional Blue Zones could be added in the near future. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. People from Nicoya enjoy an ample dose of Vitamin D. They spend most of their time outside tending to the land and enjoy a healthy relationship with surrounding nature. Throughout the world, the average life expectancy is 71 years of age (70 for males and 72 for females). The information and example set by the inhabitants of the Blue Zone of Nicoya are highly valuable, and some of the life habits can be emulated, planting a blue seed throughout the country. Going down the west coast from Tamarindo youll find several beach towns, most notably yoga center Nosara and surfers paradise Santa Teresa. Pura vida means pure or simple life and Costa Ricas Nicoya Peninsula has what you could call extreme pura vida. To my delight, Costa Rica has its own Blue Zone - the Nicoya Peninsula! Almost 40 percent of the residents of the Nicoya Peninsula (about 5,000 of the population of 132,000) are over the age of 75, more than 900 are over the age of 90, and many are over 100. Thanks to the peninsulas reputation as one of these Blue Zones, Nicoya has become a haven for digital detox. Look for howler and capuchin monkeys, parrots and parakeets, and bigger birds like herons and hawks. The Ikarians and the Ikaria is another one of the Blue Zones, and the Costa Ricans, Nicoya, they're taking a nap. In the Nicoya Peninsula, the water is particularly rich in calcium and magnesium which studies show is good for cardiovascular health and preventing cancer. Ed #2798 Oficina #8 They feel needed, and their daily lives revolve around their family and community. BOOK YOUR COSTA RICA RENTAL CAR AND SAVE 10%. In parallel, the ICT has drawn attention to the concept of the Blue Zone as part of its wellness tourism strategy as a distinctive feature in promoting the destination, while the Ministry of Culture and Youth has identified the long-lived inhabitants as bearers of a tradition which they can contribute to recovering for future generations. This goes along with the decision to widen the country's tourism offerings and venture into industries with high potential, such as wellness tourism. Lets explore the Blue Zone in Nicoya, Costa Rica and what the Nicoyan lifestyle can teach us about humanity and what we could do better in the future. One is the plan de vida, or reason to live, which propels a positive outlook among elders and helps keep them active. Currently, three emblematic examples of this Blue Zone include the centenarians Jos Bonifacio "Pachito" Villegas, from Pochote de Quebrada Honda, Nicoya, who rides a horse every day at age 100, Trinidad Espinoza, who recounts anecdotes from Costa Rica in the 1930s continuously while she feeds her chickens, and Dmaso Mendoza, age 102, who, on receiving a visitor, always talks about her years as a dancer and how she enjoys the company of the five generations of her family in Santa Ana de Beln, Carillo. Feel free to leave them in the comment section below. Nicoya, Costa Rica. Demographers have identified the area, located on Costa Rica's northern Pacific coast, as a Blue Zone or "longevity hot spot," typified by a higher-than-normal number of people living past the age of one hundred. So, Nicoya is another blue zone in the world alongside Okinawa (Japan), Cerdea (Italia), Icaria (Greece) and Loma Linda (California). For the first time ever, the world's most prominent researchers shared their knowledge and most recent research on the topic of Blue Zones. The baby turtles hatch 45 to 54 days later and, if theyre lucky, might live another 50 to 80 years. For those who want to explore the peninsula at their own pace, renting a car might be best (you can use your home countrys drivers license for a maximum of three months). Speaking of work, finding work/life balance is a constant challenge for many. Their traditional diet of fortified maize and beans may be the best nutritional combination for longevity the world has ever known. If we can harness that, we can hopefully improve the health of future generations. Get some sensible sun. Why Nicoya is Considered One of the Anti-Aging Zones in the World Few really know what aging is and how it can be controlled, here experts from Costa Rica and around the world talk about it and define the Nicoya Peninsula as one of those with the most long-lived people. I suggest visiting Cabuya (a small town between Montezuma and Santa Teresa) or San Francisco de Coyote (a remote beach town). This vigorous village is one of the Blue Zones' unique hotspots. In the southern part of the peninsula, Santa Teresa is a popular surf area that sprawls for miles along the coast. Costa Rica indeed does celebrate its elderly citizens; every person who has a 100 th birthday is . One of the world's Blue Zones is in Nicoya, Costa Rica. Physical activity, diet, good mineral-rich water, friends, a satisfying job, eating light in the evening, and a "plan de vida" are the other aspects. Thomas Ramsauer / Shutterstock. In other words, it lives longer than the average global life expectancy. Nicoya has an abundance of accommodation options but these selections should help your Blue Zone focus whether its healthy food, yoga, spa, surfing, and hiking, connecting with family, or getting a sense of purpose by helping protect Nicoyas wildlife and their habitat. Youre sure to be on the path to a long and healthy life after the four-handed Abundance Treatment, which combines Reiki, Shiatsu, Swedish massage, sound and aromatherapy, and acupressure. Some of the roads in Nicoyas interior and south arent paved, so the deeper you go into the peninsula the more you may prefer to fly (for example, its a 20-minute flight from San Jos to the tiny Tambor airport in the south). Also, the environment just exudes joy. He finished, stating emphatically "please keep it and put the new generation on the same line in the treasure of this Blue Zone.". The international attendees also included Dan Buettner, a reporter and researcher for National Geographic, who has been responsible for popularizing the concept of Blue Zones through the publication of various articles and best-selling books that explore the direct connection between this issue and diet, spirituality, purpose in life and physical exercise, with happiness as a cross-cutting element. Now I was excited to roam off the beaten path into a world-famous Nicoya Peninsula blue zone. Who knows, maybe it will change your life! There are other blue zones in California, Italy, Greece, and Japan. A "Blue Zone" is a region of the world where people commonly live past the age of 100 years.In "Blue Zone Nicoya Peninsula", residents live even longer than those in other areas of Costa Rica. Actually, it is home. To understand some of the reasons why Blue-Zoners live healthier, longer lives, let's take another look at Ricardo's daily routine. Though Costa Rica has just 0.03 percent of the planets surface, it has almost six percent of the worlds biodiversity and you might see (or hear!) Your best bet might be finding a VRBO instead of a hotel. Some sea turtles have even lived to age 150. Compreende os 5 cantos da Pennsula de Nicoya: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz e Nicoya. Those who want to enjoy the pura vida life for more than a week or two often end up here, given Santa Teresas gorgeous beaches, busy nightlife, and excellent wifi. For more information read our privacy policy. Costa Ricans called Ticos say pura vida instead of hello, how are you, fine, thanks, and see you later and youll quickly find yourself saying it too. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. Costa Rica is generally a healthy country because its government decided that education, healthcare, and protecting the environment are more important than funding its armed forces and it abolished its army in 1948. The Adventists are praying. So why is it that the people of Nicoya outlive so many others? They eat many fruits and vegetables often grown on their own lands, and they tend not to consume much meat. The term first emerged in 2005 in a Nation Geographic magazine cover, "The Secrets of a Long Life.". The most amazing part about people who live in Nicoya, Costa Rica is that many of them live without medication or disability. The surroundings dictate ways of operating, not personal decisions. Successful centenarians have a strong sense of purpose. All Rights Reserved. But other factors are at play, especially in Nicoya, an 80-mile peninsula just south of the Nicaraguan border. Nicoyas west and south coasts are the most popular for visitors and offer a wide range of accommodations and access to the peninsulas wilderness and activities. Nicoyans often live more than 100 years and Nicoya boasts of the highest number of centenarians in the world. The Nicoya Peninsula has several on offer, including near Tamarindo, outside the Cabo Blanco Reserve near Playa Mal Pais, and above the Montezuma waterfall. He then went on release a book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who Have Lived the Longest in 2008. Butterflies in Costa Rica The Best Places to See Them, Irazu Volcano Visit the Highest Volcano in Costa Rica, 20 Free Things to Do in Costa Rica That Youll Love, Costa Rica Rental Car Discount Save Up to 20%, The feeling of a sense of purpose in life. They are eye-opening and heart-tugging. A stay at Nantipa will help you have a true Blue Zone adventure, especially if you book its transcendental wellness experience. According to researchers, most inhabitants live to at least the age of 90.. For most Americans, an entrance ramp for a new lifestyle change is through their mouth, Buettner says. Check out all of our favorite travel companies. Blue Zones: Lessons For Living Longer From The People Whove Lived The Longest. The reason why they are called "blue zones" is a curious story He then had the idea to research areas in the world with the longest lifespan. Nicoya, Costa Rica A Latin American Blue Zone. It definitely runs contrary to what was written up about the Nicoya people in "The Blue Zones." In that book, their diet was characterized as primarily vegetarian. Are you interested in learning more about the Costa Rica Blue Zone and other zones of the world? While starting the day off with rice and beans may not be an ideal breakfast for most people, the key to a healthy breakfast is one rich with protein, complex carbs, and antioxidants (minus the preservatives). Meat, fish, and poultry only make up 5% of the usual diet. Surprisingly, happiness and keeping a focus on family are two of the main components. They are places where people get around by walking more than by car, they eat more plants than meat, and a diet that includes beans or grains such as corn, where the family is their number one purpose. Reporter Dan Buettner closed by saying "it is a great honor to see the results of the idea of researching the issue of longevity that emerged fifteen years ago is coming to fruition in the meeting of the major scientific researchers on the subject of Blue Zones." American researcher, Dan Buettner, discovered that people in these areas shared several lifestyle characteristics: They don't smoke; They eat a plant-based diet The peak nesting time is from August to November and in the days before a new moon, thousands of turtles congregate in the Pacific waiting for the perfect time to come ashore and dig a hole to lay their eggs. One Nicoyan, a centenarian, said he knew death would eventually come for him but it is the love for his children that motivates him to keep going every day. For most of their lives, Nicoyan centenarians ate a traditional Mesoamerican diet highlighted with the three sisters of agriculture: squash, corn, and beans. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. Sardinia, Italy. Win-win! It includes the five cantons of the Nicoya Peninsula: Hojancha, Nandayure, Carrillo, Santa Cruz and Nicoya. Nicoya, also known as the Nicoya Peninsula has not been only recognized as one of the 5 places in the planet with surprisingly high rate of longevity but also as the highest concentration of centenarians in the world. Even in areas like Nicoya, this has been replaced with the ease of processed meals and fast food (although there are very few fast food options in Nicoya in my experience). Alternatively, Blue. Santa Teresa is great for surfing and enjoying a small but vibrant town with a backpacker vibe. It is believed that one factor which may contribute to the high number of Nicoyan centenarians is the high calcium content in the water. Protein helps to rebuild and repair tissue, as well as it helps a person to feel full. Buettner's studies on the Nicoya Peninsula revealed eight key factors that affect people's life expectancy. For Priscila Chaves, a Costa Rican social tech-entrepreneur and ethics thought leader, the question that still stands is, how can we translate these apparent otherworldly effects, to the rest of us? The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone in Costa Rica, is renowned for its tranquil, laid-back ambiance.